?Chapter 881:


    Noah smoothly imed the coveted seat next to Sadie, his movements fluid yet deliberate.


    Nathan’s movement froze mid-air, and his smile stiffened.


    Confusion washed over his features as he hovered awkwardly.


    A palpable tension descended upon the gathering, suspended in ufortable quiet.


    Rodger recognized the brewing storm and swiftly intervened to defuse the situation.


    He shot Nathan a withering look that could have scorched stone.


    This idiot! Rodger fumed inwardly.


    “Nathan,” he said, pointing to a far-off chair, “you should sit there. Mr. Noel is also an honored guest and belongs here.”


    Nathan’s indignation red behind his eyes, yet he swallowed any protest that threatened to escape.


    He forced a smile and absently rubbed his nose, a nervous habit betraying his difort.


    With reluctantpliance, he trudged to the distant end of the table and sank into his assigned seat.


    What rotten luck, he brooded. Why did this damned Patrick constantly materialize at every turn?


    Noah, meanwhile, appeared utterly oblivious to the little drama. His gaze drifted across thevish spread, eventually settling on a tter of sulent steak. With surprising familiarity, he speared a choice cut of steak and transferred it to Sadie’s te in one fluid motion.


    Sadie froze, momentarily startled by the gesture. She lifted her gaze to study Noah’s face, bewilderment evident in her expression. What exactly was he ying at? she wondered.


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    From his wheelchair, Jarrett scrutinized the exchange with calcting intensity. His fingers tightened around his cup, betraying his inner tension. Patrick exhibited a peculiar familiarity with Sadie that defied casual acquaintance. Was there some hidden connection between them that everyone else had missed?


    Noah detected Sadie’s hesitation, her untouched silverware and transfixed stare at the te before her. His brow furrowed with concern.


    “What’s wrong?” he murmured.


    His voice carried the gentle undercurrent of genuine worry. “Is it not to your taste?” he asked, leaning closer.


    Sadie stared down at the perfectly cooked steak glistening on her te. The savory aroma that should have tantalized her senses instead triggered something else entirely.


    Without warning, a violent wave of nausea crashed through her body. Her stomach revolted, twisting and clenching against her will.


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